Trunk Call

featuring the sole woman elephant trainer in the world

In the diminutive figure of Parbati Barua, it is difficult to imagine that there exists such tremendous power to tame jumbos. But then, Parbati is no ordinary woman. Born to Late Prakitish Chandra Barua of the princely family of Gauripur in Assam, who was more popularly known as ‘Laljee’, and who was the greatest elephant expert in Asia, she was attracted to nature from a very young age. Her upbringing and the overall ambience in her ancestral home influenced her decision to become an elephant trainer. The Eclectic team decided to find out what goes on in the mind of the only lady elephant trainer in the world. Read on...

The goddess Parvati is the mother of Ganesha in the heavens. On earth, Parbati has decided to dedicate her life to elephants and their cause. Call it coincidence or whatever you will, but you’ll have to admit that it’s nevertheless quite interesting to note.

So why did she choose to become an elephant trainer? “Well, you see, I loved the environment. Having grown up with all kinds of animals, I loved them. Ours was a zamindari family, and it was a status symbol to keep elephants, horses, and other animals. Moreover, my father was an international hunter, and I used to accompany him on his hunts. In those days, there was no TV for entertainment or any computer games. So, we had to play with real toys like these animals. Quite naturally, I developed an affinity for these pachyderms. I shared an emotional bond with them, and decided that there was nothing that I loved doing more than sharing a life-long relationship with elephants.

And it is a relationship that is as amazing as it is interesting. To think that these jumbos can actually listen to and act according to instructions, itself makes an interesting study. How does she communicate with elephants?

“You see, elephants are very similar to human beings. They have their own social life, and follow certain patterns in their day-to-day life. Having grown up with elephants, I am familiar with their moods. Elephants convey a lot of thoughts through their eyes, and it is important to know what they are saying at that particular time when I’m with them. Once I feel that the elephant is comfortable, I try to talk to it in a soothing voice,” reveals Parbati.

Elephants are basically wild animals. They were meant to be in the jungles. There is a common perception that they should be left alone in the jungles... How far is it justified to tame them?

“See, if elephants were left only in the wild, their population stands the risk of becoming extinct due to various reasons. So we need to capture them for captive breeding, because ensuring their survival is also important for our existence. Captive breeding is necessary to protect their generation,” explains Parbati.

Capturing jumbos brings us to the question of methods employed in the process. What does she think about the methods used to tame the jumbos?

“I think among all the states that are involved with taming jumbos, Assam follows some of the best methods. Although initially they may face some difficulties, yet these methods ensure that the elephants learn everything properly. In fact, many trainers believe that we have the best methods involved in elephant training.

Over the years, loss of habitat has led to an increase in the man-animal conflict. In many parts of the state, both man and animals have lost their lives as a result of this conflict. Does she think that the man-animal conflict can be reduced? “Well, the man-animal conflict has been existing since ages. We need to understand that because we have encroached on their habitat, the animals have been displaced, causing them to venture out of the jungles and come face-to face with human habitation. Besides, animals always maintain the law of nature. It is we who make laws and break them at will. But I think the conflict can be minimised.

For instance, we can intensify joint-forestry management. Another thing that needs to be addressed is that, every sanctuary has a core area. We have to find a way out so that without disturbing the animal habitat, we can maintain the balance. The people in the fringe areas also need to be taken into confidence so that they become more aware about the need to protect jungles and sanctuaries. If we cause large-scale deforestation without planting saplings in return, then there won’t be any habitat left for the animals. It’s like driving away someone from their own homes, you know.

Elephants are highly intelligent animals. And their intelligence has ensured them a place in the employment rolls of the forest department. Agrees Parbati, “In Assam, Northeast India as well as in Asia, there are some areas which are inaccessible. The forest guards need to reach those areas for patrolling and in the absence of good roads, the department has to use elephants. And of course, their intelligence is one of the reasons for the department employing their services.”

Elephants, like rhinos, are killed for their tusks. What steps would she suggest for the conservation of these giants?

“Yeah, I agree that elephants are also hunted for their tusks. I think that constant vigil is necessary. Moreover, we need dedicated people. If a person is an expert in his field, he should be involved even if he is not a staff. I do believe that expertise should be utilised, and people’s attitude also needs to be changed.

To be the only female elephant-trainer in the country, in a male-dominated profession is in itself no ordinary feat. What is it that makes her an extra-ordinary trainer? “Well, I have always loved the animal, the environment and was fortunate enough to get the emotional back-up from my parents. I wanted to learn everything about the animal, and my father made sure that I went through all the rudimentary lessons. My deep attachment with elephants automatically went on to become a life-long passion. But, I think that there are far better trainers than me. And you really have to love the animal, otherwise no amount of bookish knowledge will prepare you to be a successful trainer,” stresses the renowned trainer.

Most of her time has been spent in the jungles, and in proximity to elephants. Could she recollect some instances wherein the high intelligence of elephnts were on display? “Oh yes! There have been a number of instances. Once, we had ventured quite deep into the forest, and had lost our way. We became a bit apprehensive, but to our relief the elephant found its way back and we reached our camp. On another occasion, a herd of wild elephants was approaching a particular area. A woman had gone to the forest with her baby to collect firewood. When she heard the hue and cry, the petrified woman ran away, leaving the baby behind. But, we saw the tame elephant carrying the child in her trunk and safely depositing her to her mother. It was truly an amazing experience.”

Parbati Barua. A name synonymous with elephants. A name that commands as much respect as awe for the sheer magic that she weaves in capturing and taming these giants. Few can match her expertise when it comes to speaking on issues regarding conservation of the Indian or Asiatic elephant. Parbati Barua. Trainer par excellence.

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